..... and yes, I've returned with a tan, 300 emails and a refreshed website. After two glorious weeks soaking up the sun in Cyprus, and pretending my work inbox didn't exist - I'm officially back. Sadly, reality greeted me in the form of roughly 300 emails, 2 urgent interim order applications, and the small matter of ... house hunting. Because why ease yourself back into normal life when you can dive straight into chaos? But honestly, I've missed this space and I'm excited to

From the start, authenticity has always been the underpinning goal of this blog by removing the glitz and glamour from the profession. This month’s blog stays true to that aim as I reflect on my pupillage experience and share the honest advice I needed, told through five key lessons. My Experience So Far This year, I haven’t been offered pupillage; the third time. That outcome has forced me to sit with a heavy weight that is hard to explain to anyone outside of this process,

Getting a mini pupillage is like getting a backstage pass to the legal world – it’s invaluable. Where advocacy changes from a chapter in a textbook to a voice in a courtroom, and witnesses are no longer actors but ordinary people. If it is your first mini pupillage, you may be asking ‘how do I make the most of my time?’ What to Expect First, congratulations, mini pupillages are competitive and so getting one is an achievement. Chambers will get in touch with you with what y

New Year can only mean one thing for an aspiring barrister... it is the season for pupillage applications! We are very excited to start the year with a conversation with Victoria, an incoming Pupil at Spire Barristers and current BPC student at City St George's University of London. In this blog, Victoria shares her secrets on everything applications and interviews. Think of it as your insider guide from someone who remembers the "why did I write that" moments. So grab a cup

Between the excitement of starting a new job and the ‘wait, am I actually qualified for this’ moments, imposter syndrome has decided to crash the party. This time of the year brings new beginnings for all of us, so I figured, why not write about it? You can read all about my experience here: This month’s blog covers a personal theme today; it’s all about that sneaky little voice that tries to tell us we are not good enough. I’ve found that it has crept into my new job, leavin

Above - Hannah Mycock, Tax, Trusts and Estates Solicitor at Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors Once chasing speeding drivers, now chasing signatures on Wills, meet Hannah – a qualified Solicitor since September 2021 and currently based at Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors. In this blog, Hannah lifts the lid on her daily routine, spills the tea on the lessons she learned the hard way and offers the kind of advice she wishes someone had whispered to her during training. Keep reading

Funding your legal education in the UK can feel like a significant financial burden. Between tuition fees, living costs and hidden expenses such as textbooks and exam fees, scholarships aren’t just helpful, they are essential. Whether you’re just starting your legal journey or knee-deep in pupillage applications, here’s what you need to know about legal scholarships in the UK and how to make them work for you. Do Your Research Do your research to find out what’s on offer –

Before starting the Bar course, you must become a member of an ‘Inn of Court’. What does that mean and why is that important to you? What is an Inn of Court? An Inn of Court is a professional association for all Barristers in England and Wales (think of it like the four houses in Harry Potter!) The purpose of the Inns is to oversee the training of those who wish to become Barristers as well as providing supervisory and disciplinary functions over existing members. There are f

I was fortunate enough to get a job as a Family Law Paralegal during the 2nd year of my LLB Law degree, working there all the way up to graduating the Bar Course! If you’ve ever wondered what the role looks like, then keep reading… Q. What is a Paralegal? Understanding the role of a Paralegal isn’t always straightforward because it can look different depending on the law firm. At its core, a Paralegal works closely with a Solicitor (think like an assistant), but some firms ex

Have you finished your LPC, SQE or BTC exams? Wondering what other avenues there are to a career in law? You should consider becoming a Trainee Legal Advisor! Q. What is a Legal Advisor? Legal Advisors (previously known as ‘clerks’) are lawyers based in the Magistrates Courts across England and Wales. Magistrates are members of the public with no legal qualifications and so a Legal Advisor’s primary role is to provide advice on the law, practice and procedure. Additionally, L

Learning the law and practising law are vastly different. The transition from classroom to courtroom brings lessons that no textbook prepares you for. Here is what I have learnt so far: 💡Not Everyone Is Your Friend and Not Everyone is To Be Trusted Each morning, as I look at my Court list, I have one of the following emotions: · Relief: “Thank god it’s you!” · Dread: “Oh god it’s you!” One of the hardest lessons I have had to accept is that not everyone is

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a law student, drafting a powerful Skeleton Argument is essential. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the key principles to crafting a clear, persuasive, and strategically sound skeleton argument that leaves a strong impression in Court. What Is a Skeleton Argument? A Skeleton Argument is a concise document that outlines the key points – it’s the roadmap to your case. Think of it as the foundation of your submissions, providing a

Ever wondered what the secret recipe to passing the Barrister Training Course is? Commitment, strategy and resilience. The course demands intense preparation, but staying focused and structured can make all the difference. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success. Start Early – Preparation is Key Revising for these exams is not something you can cram overnight. Create a study plan that fits around your commitments – remember, your schedule should be as realistic as poss

Are you a budding barrister looking to connect with like-minded legal professionals? Look no further! Joining the legal community and engaging with fellow barristers online can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Building a network of peers in the legal industry is not only beneficial for your career but also for personal growth and development. By connecting with others in the field, you can share knowledge, seek advice, and stay up to date with the latest trends and de